Patrick Mahomes Faces a Harsh Reality: His MVP Race Has Faded, but the Chiefs Still Believe They Can Salvage the Season

Patrick Mahomes Faces a Harsh Reality: His MVP Race Has Faded, but the Chiefs Still Believe They Can Salvage the Season

The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t just in a midseason slump — they’re facing a full-on identity test. Sunday’s 19–22 loss to the Denver Broncos dropped Kansas City to a 5–5 record, leaving Patrick Mahomes’ MVP hopes teetering on the edge. What once looked like a likely third MVP now feels like a distant dream.

Mahomes, normally a model of consistency, struggled against Denver. He completed 29 of 45 passes for 276 yards with just one touchdown and one interception. While competent, these numbers fall short of the explosive production MVP voters expect, especially in a season where top contenders are posting historic performances.

The sportsbooks reacted accordingly. Mahomes has tumbled from the top of the MVP odds to around fifth, while Matthew Stafford has surged to No. 1, and Josh Allen lit up the scoreboard with six touchdowns. Other names like Jonathan Taylor, Drake Maye, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley have also climbed past him in the betting lines.

Kansas City’s struggles aren’t Mahomes’ fault alone. Injuries to key wide receivers and an inconsistent offense have limited the explosive plays that made the Chiefs elite. Mahomes is still performing at a high level, but his supporting cast isn’t producing like seasons past, making it difficult to compile MVP-worthy stats.

Despite the setbacks, Mahomes remains confident in his team. “The MVP train may have left without me, but I don’t mind. Our focus is clear — winning. This Chiefs team never quits, believes in each other, and I trust my guys to finish strong. Championships, not awards, define us,” he said, showing leadership and perspective amid adversity.

At 5–5, Kansas City is fighting not for seeding, but simply to stay in the playoff picture. Voters historically reward elite quarterbacks on elite teams, making Mahomes’ MVP path steeper than ever. Still, the team’s heart and resilience remain evident on every snap.

For the first time in years, the MVP conversation is moving past Mahomes. But the season isn’t over, and the Chiefs have proven time and again they can rally when it matters most. Bad news may keep coming for No. 15, but with Mahomes under center, Kansas City’s fight is far from finished.